Supermarkets consume a lot of energy and make the smallest profit margins of any industry. That’s why many have been looking for ways to cut costs and increase their margin through the use of solar power. Shaw’s continues the solar trend with its newly completed installation on a Webster, MA supermarket. Shaw’s now joins big-name grocery chains such as Safeway, Whole Foods, Stop & Shop, Costco, Shoprite, Walmart, and Fresh & Easy who have already installed solar panels on some of their stores.

The Shaw’s supermarket on 70 Worcester Rd is located at the Webster Shopping Plaza. The installation consists of 750 solar panels totaling 194 kilowatts. The solar power system will generate 226,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity each year and is expected to slash the store’s emissions by 179 tons of carbon per year. This would be similar to taking 31 cars and light trucks off the road or planting 35 acres of tree each year. Shaw’s anticipates starting work on three additional solar power projects in the near future.

Safeway was one of the first grocery store chains to make the leap toward solar power on 27 of their California stores in 2007. Just recently, Stop & Shop completed solar panel installations on eight of their stores in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Jersey. The combined solar electric systems at Stop & Shop will generate an estimated total of 1.8 megawatts-hours (mWh) of electricity each year. This is about the same energy that 153 homes would consume.

Stop & Shop says the solar panels will reduce the overall electricity consumption of its stores by 8 percent. “Businesses are waking up to the benefits of solar power,” said Stop and Shop representative Faith Weiner. “As one of the largest food retailers in the Northeast, we’re proud to incorporate solar panels into our building…”

It’s wonderful that local businesses are taking steps toward sustainability. It will not only save local grocers’ money, but it will also build credibility and goodwill with the residents of these states. If you are interested in doing your part towards sustainability while also saving your business or household money in the process, please contact Brightstar Solar for a complimentary, no-obligation solar evaluation in Massachusetts or Connecticut.